When reviewing how parking is managed, Council takes the following key principles into consideration:

• support the economic viability and sustainability of commercial centres, in particular Tauranga City Centre
   
• recognise the total economic, environmental and social cost of travel
   
• economically important parking spaces in the central areas of commerce will only be for short-term parking
   
• commuter and long-term parking will be accommodated in peripheral areas
   
• management of pricing and time limits will be used to maximise the use of each car park
   
• short-term parking pricing (where applicable) will be graduated, so that it is cheaper further from the commercial centre
   
• road safety, pedestrian, cycling, public transport and loading facilities will take precedence over parking
   
• excessive commuter parking will not be permitted in residential areas
   
• appropriate and proportionate levels of enforcement will apply in all areas
   
• parking will be provided through a balance of public investment and private provision
   
• seasonal parking and pricing will be considered where appropriate
   
• parking policies will continue to encourage accessibility for all

These principles provide the framework which potential changes to how parking is managed are tested against.